Hurricane Plan

Hurricane season is upon us, make sure you have a plan.

  1. Find your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, wind & flooding.
  2. Know the location of where you will evacuate.
  3. Locate a safe room or safest area in your home, usually an interior room on the lowest floor without windows or exterior walls. Bathrooms, utility room, or closets are good choices.
  4. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
  5. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact.
  6. Make plans for any family member who requires life support equipment.
  7. To safeguard your home during hurricane season, have shutters or purchase thick plywood with approved fasteners.
  8. Put valuables, photos, and copies of important papers in waterproof bags in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. Include photos of drivers’ license, interior and exterior of home, medication list, names, addresses & phone numbers of doctors, insurance agents, family and friends along with list of account numbers and policy numbers.
  9. Post a list of emergency numbers by your phones, make sure your children know how and when to call 911. If you still have a home phone line, have a corded phone that plugs directly into the wall’s phone jack. If the power goes out, a cordless phone will not work.
  10. Check your insurance coverage, flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance.
  11. Stock your Must-Have supplies such as prescriptions.
  12. Use a NOAA weather radio and replace batteries every 6 months.

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

You need to know what to do if a hurricane warning is issued before hurricane season.

  • Stay tuned to official bulletins on TV or radio.
  • Use your family plan. Determine where your family will be safest.

If Not Evacuating

  • Know your safe room.
  • Move valuables to upper floors.
  • Fill containers and bathtub with drinking water.
  • Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold, don’t open unless necessary.
  • Use phone for emergencies only.
  • Stay indoors, away from windows.

If You Evacuate

  • Check with city, county of Emergency Management Office to see if it is necessary.
  • Leave early, in daylight if possible.
  • Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
  • Lock up home.
  • Drive carefully, using recommended evacuation route.
  • If going to a shelter, bring supplies to make you comfortable.


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Hurricane Season Supplies Shopping List

Have a minimum 3 day supply of each item for every person in your home during hurricane season.

Water – Most Important Item
______ 2 quarts – 1 gallon of water per person per day.
______ Store water in clean plastic containers.

Purchase food that requires no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:
______ Ready-to-eat canned food, fruit and vegetables.
______ Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
______ Snacks: cookies, cereals, dried fruit, nuts, etc.
______ Raw vegetables.
______ Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea.
______ Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply).

For Baby
______ Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods.
______ Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications.
______ Petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointment.

Pets
______ Newspapers or cat litter.
______ Moist canned foods (to preserve water).
______ Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet’s room.

Medicine
______ Medic alert tag.
______ First aid kit with tweezers, needles and disinfectant.
______ Rubbing alcohol.
______ Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, diarrhea medicine.
______ Extra prescription medication (especially for heart problems and diabetes).
______ Ask your physician how to store prescription medication.

Personal Items
______ Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, etc.
______ Personal and feminine hygiene products.
______ Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses.
______ Wipes to freshen up if water isn’t available.
______ Sun protection, insect repellent, and insect bite lotion.

Other Supplies

______ Cash – ATM may be down for a long time.
______ Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, bottle opener, extra batteries, scissors.
______ Camping stove or other device with fuel (sterno).
______ Charcoal, waterproof matches, extra propane gas for grills (Use grills outside only!).
______ ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister.
______ Portable cooler.
______ Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags.
______ Wind-up or battery-operated clock.
______ Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs.
______ Other tools necessary for repairs to prevent more damage (axe, shovel, screwdrivers, etc.).
______ Pocket knife – Swiss Army style.
______ Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach.
______ Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups, cutlery.
______ Can of spray paint (can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it’s damaged).
______ At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves.
______ Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags.

"hurricane
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During a Storm – Remain Calm!

• Watch local TV or listen to radio for weather updates.
• Stay indoors until storm has passed completely.
• Turn off circuit breaker before the power goes. Leave one on with a lamp so you know when power resumes.
• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps.
• Stay in your safe room if you hear breaking glass.
• If your house starts to break apart, cover yourself with a mattress.
• Use phone for urgent calls only. Don’t use the phone if you hear thunder.
• If you are in a tall building, stay off the top floors, go to a safe room.